Chicago Electric MIG 170 owner manual Cleaning the Weld, Strike Test, Welding Tips

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Welding Tips

A good way to test welding technique is to examine a weld’s appearance after it has cooled and the slag has been removed. Then, better welding can be learned by adjusting your weld technique

to remedy any problems found.

Cleaning the Weld

A typical flux-core wire (FCAW) weld

 

 

before cleaning.

 

slag

weld bead

spatter

 

 

 

base metal

A typical solid wire (GMAW) weld

before cleaning.

weld bead

spatter

base metal

SAFETY

SETUP

Chipping

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:Hammer Continue to wear ANSI-approved safety

goggles and protective wear when cleaning a weld.

Sparks or chips may fly when cleaning.

1. A weld from flux core wire will be covered by slag, use

 

the Chipping Hammer to knock this off. Be careful

Wire Brush

not to damage the weld or base material.

 

2.Then, use the Wire Brush to further clean the weld or use an angle grinder (sold separately) to shape the weld.

BASIC WELDING

Strike Test

A test weld on a PIECE OF SCRAP can be tested by

using the following procedure.

WEAR ANSI GOGGLES DURING THIS PROCEDURE.

WARNING! This test WILL damage the weld it is performed on. This test is ONLY an indicator of weld technique and is not intended to test working welds.

1.After two scraps have been welded together and the weld has cooled, clamp one scrap in a sturdy vise.

2.Stay clear from underneath while you strike the opposite scrap with a heavy hammer, preferably a dead-blow hammer.

3.A GOOD WELD will deform but not break, as shown on top.

A POOR WELD will be brittle and snap at the weld, as shown on bottom.

dead-blow hammer

clamp

SCRAP

 

 

workpiece

 

GOOD WELD

 

bends and is not brittle

dead-blow hammer

clamp

SCRAP

 

 

workpiece

POOR WELD

snaps or cracks

WELDING TIPS

MAINTENANCE

SKU 68885

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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Contents Save this Manual Email our technical support at tech@harborfreight.comGeneral Safety Table of ContentsSetup Basic Welding Welding Tips Maintenance Fume and Gas SafetyArc Ray Safety SafetyWelding Welding Tips Maintenance Electrical SafetyFire Safety Safety SetupWelder use and care MaintenanceGas Shielded Welding Cylinder safety Welding MaintenanceGrounding Replacement CordsSetup Basic Welding Extension CordsSpecifications Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceSymbology Plug Attachment Face Shield AssemblyTips Maintenance SetupWire Spool Installation Dcep Setup BasicDcen Feed Roller Knob 030/.035 groove and stamp Groove and stamp Tensioner ArmFeed Roller Instructions 8mm = .030 & 0.6mm =Hold Wire welding Securely SafetyWelding Wire Setup Basic Welding Welding TipsTurn the Welder OFF Incrementally Increase tension Until wire bendsTo Prevent Serious Injury Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceBasic Welding Cord WireControl Panel Layout DialTorch Concrete slab Duty Cycle Duration of UseMIN Flux Weld SettingsMIG Weld Settings MIN MAXWhile Welding Setting Up The WeldDo not Switch the Current Hold Torch Clear From AsphyxiationStringer bead Basic Welding TechniqueUp to 2 minutes Welding at rated output MIG onlyClose shielding gas tank valve completely Welding Tips Cleaning the WeldStrike Test To Correct Example Weld DiagramsWorkpiece Heat Control / Weld Penetration Weld DiagnosisCoat of Slag Over Weld Weld ProblemsPenetration Workpiece Heat Control Bend at JointBurn-Through PorosityExcessive Spatter Crooked/Wavy BeadCompressed air, blow out all dust from the interior Nozzle and Contact Tip Inspection and CleaningMaintenance Fire and BurnsWelding arc not stable Wire feed motor runs but wire does not feed properlyWire creates a bird’s nest during operation TroubleshootingSafety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips TroubleshootingPower switch does not light when switched on Wire Feeds, but arc does not igniteRecord Serial Number Here Wiring DiagramParts List Parts List and Diagrams3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Assembly DiagramWelding Mission Oaks Blvd. PO Box 6009 Camarillo, CA 93011 800 Limited 90 Day Warranty

MIG 170 specifications

The Chicago Electric MIG 170 is a versatile and powerful welding machine designed for both amateur and professional welders. This compact welder is particularly suited for those who frequently work on metal fabrication projects, automotive repairs, and home improvement tasks. With its impressive performance capabilities and a range of user-friendly features, the Chicago Electric MIG 170 has become a popular choice among welding enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is its robust welding output. It operates on standard 220-volt power, allowing it to deliver a consistent output that ranges from 30 to 170 amps. This wide range provides users with the capability to weld various materials, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Additionally, it is capable of welding materials up to 5/16 inches thick, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty applications.

The MIG 170 utilizes a gasless flux-cored wire welding process, which makes it suitable for outdoor use without the necessity of shielding gas. This feature eliminates the need for additional gas tanks, making the welding experience simpler and more cost-effective. Users can also switch to MIG welding with a gas setup if desired, allowing for greater versatility in their projects.

Moreover, this welder is equipped with an adjustable wire feed speed control, permitting users to customize their welding settings for different thicknesses of material. The easy-to-read control panel enhances usability, giving welders the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and requirements. A built-in thermal overload protection system further ensures that the machine operates safely, preventing damage due to overheating during extended use.

The portability of the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is another key advantage. Weighing in at approximately 60 pounds, it can easily be transported to job sites or moved around a workshop. Its compact design does not compromise on performance, making it a great addition to any workspace.

Overall, the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is an excellent welding machine that blends power, efficiency, and ease of use. Its combination of features makes it suitable for beginners and seasoned welders alike, solidifying its reputation as a go-to option in the welding community. Whether for hobbyist projects or more serious applications, the MIG 170 remains a reliable and effective choice for various welding needs.
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